Classes
March 1st, 2010
Our environment is one of motivation through inspiration! The goal is to be able to execute techniques spontaneously, with correct form, speed, and power. Proper body mechanics, breathing, and focus can enable even small people to strike with disabling force. This is only possible as the result of hard work!
Our traditional curriculum follows a systematic, continuous and progressive educational approach. Classes are held in a group setting and structured to provide individualized instruction. Like all complex motor skills, karatedo techniques can be learned only through careful coaching, rigorous training, and constant repetition.
A typical practice schedule includes:
| Kihon are fundamental techniques, incorporating a range of punching (tsuki waza), striking (uchi waza), kicking (geri waza), and defense (uke waza). Correct kihon waza are essential to the effective use of karatedo for self-defense. |
| Kata are the essence of karatedo and practiced constantly. These sequences of prearranged attacks and defenses may be most accurately described as “textbooks” of karatedo. To transmit their knowledge of combat techniques, the old masters created kata encoding the skills, knowledge, and mental states necessary for effective application of karate. |
| Bunkai are the interpretation, or analysis, of kata movements (bunkai/oyo/kakushite). Through these drills the kata movements are practiced with training partners to understand the combative applications of kata. |
| Kumite, or sparring, is an essential aspect of karatedo training, providing a kind of laboratory setting in which the functional value of techniques can be tested and refined. Kumite training ranges from simple two-person drills to jiyu kumite (free sparring). In all forms of kumite, mutual respect and safety are mandatory. |
| Kobudo is the use of traditional Okinawan weapons such as the bo, sai, tonfa, nunchaku, and kama. Partner exercises also include training in the bokken and jo. Kobudo kata in Ogasawara-Ha are typically learned by students at the brown belt level or above. |
| Aikijutsu is the practice of the physical jujutsu under the concept of aiki. It emphasizes blending with the timing and intention of an attack to neutralize its effectiveness and subdue an attacker. It includes a comprehensive training in joint manipulations (kansetsu waza), throwing (nage waza), ground defense (osaekomi waza), and controlling techniques (shime waza). |